Phones must stay off all school day

What happened

Under the 2026-27 handbook, junior high and high school students may not use cell phones, smart watches or headphones at school. Devices must be turned off and put away from arrival until the 3:30 p.m. bell. After a first warning, a phone goes to the office, and from the third time a parent must pick it up.

Why it matters to families

This changes the school day for every student, and parents may have to come to school to get a phone back.

The evidence

JH/HS Student Handbook 2026-27, 'Possession and Use of Personal Telecommunications Devices' (page 59), citing HB 1481, lists the four levels of consequences. The elementary handbook also bans device use on school property during the day.

The source